Hearing system with heart rate monitoring and related method

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing device and a second hearing device, includes: obtaining sensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor data representing first physiological data and second sensor data representing second physiological data, where the first sensor data comprises or is indicative of first sensor signal from the first hearing device configured to be arranged at a first ear of a user, and the second sensor data comprises or is indicative of second sensor signal from the second hearing device configured to be arranged at a second ear of the user; comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data; determining a first parameter based on a result from the act of comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data; and outputting a first output signal indicative of the first parameter.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, European PatentApplication No. 18204469.3 filed on Nov. 5, 2018. The entire disclosureof the above application is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hearing system, hearing device,accessory device, and related methods including methods of operating ahearing system device.

BACKGROUND

Almost a quarter of persons with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are notaware that they have AFib due to a lack of symptoms. Detection of AFibrequires precise monitoring of the heart rate and heart rate variations,preferably over long periods of time.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for precise and reliable determinationand/or communication of heart conditions and in particular AFib.

Methods of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing deviceand one or both of a second hearing device and an accessory device aredisclosed.

Further, a hearing system is disclosed, the hearing system comprising afirst hearing device and one or both of a second hearing device and anaccessory device.

A method of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing deviceand an accessory device is disclosed, the method comprising obtainingsensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor data indicative ofa first sensor signal from the first hearing device arranged at a firstear of a user; detecting an atrial fibrillation condition of the userbased on the first sensor data; and in accordance with detecting theatrial fibrillation condition, outputting a first output signalindicative of the atrial fibrillation condition.

Also disclosed is a haring system comprising a first hearing device andan accessory device, wherein the hearing system is configured to performa method of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing deviceand an accessory device as disclosed herein.

Also disclosed is a method of operating a hearing system comprising afirst hearing device and a second hearing device, the method comprisingobtaining sensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor datarepresenting first physiological data and second sensor datarepresenting second physiological data, where the first sensor data isindicative of first sensor signal from the first hearing device arrangedat a first ear of a user, and the second sensor data is indicative ofsecond sensor signal from the second hearing device arranged at a secondear of the user; comparing the first sensor data and the second sensordata; identifying a first parameter based on the comparison of the firstsensor data and the second sensor data; and outputting a first outputsignal indicative of the first parameter.

Further, a hearing system is disclosed, the hearing system comprising afirst hearing device comprising a first sensor for obtaining firstsensor data; a second hearing device comprising a second sensor forobtaining second sensor data; a processing unit, e.g. as part of aprocessor unit of the first hearing device or as part of a processingunit of an accessory device, configured to compare the first sensor dataand the second sensor data; identify a first parameter based on thecomparison of the first sensor data and the second data; and output afirst output signal indicative of the first parameter.

It is an important advantage of the present disclosure that hearingdevice(s) is/are used for detecting and monitoring heart conditions of auser. A hearing device is typically worn for long periods of time,typically all day, which is advantageous in particular for detection ofatrial fibrillation (AFIB) or other heart conditions.

Further, the present methods and devices/systems provide an improveddetection and/or monitoring of heart conditions through more reliable anaccurate detection of physiological parameters of a user.

The present disclosure enables real-time monitoring and effectivecommunication of heart-rate conditions enabling a user to react fast andeffectively to the occurrence of AFib.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparentto those skilled in the art by the following detailed description ofexemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing system accordingto the present disclosure,

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to thedisclosure,

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to thedisclosure,

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device,

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates processing of two PPG signals (firstsensor signal and second sensor signal, and

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary accessory device according to thedisclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter,with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that thefigures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similarstructures or functions are represented by like reference numeralsthroughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures areonly intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They arenot intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as alimitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustratedembodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspector an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment isnot necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in anyother embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitlydescribed.

The present disclosure relates to a hearing system and devices thereof,such as a first hearing device and/or a second hearing device.

Hearing device(s), such as first hearing device and/or second hearingdevice, are disclosed. In the present context, references to “thehearing device” refers to a first hearing device and/or to a secondhearing device. The hearing device may be a hearable or a hearing aid,wherein the processor is configured to compensate for a hearing loss ofa user. The hearing device may be of the behind-the-ear (BTE) type,in-the-ear (ITE) type, in-the-canal (ITC) type, receiver-in-canal (RIC)type or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type. The hearing aid may be abinaural hearing aid.

The hearing device may be configured for wireless communication with oneor more devices, such as with another hearing device, e.g. as part of abinaural hearing system, and/or with one or more accessory devices, suchas a smartphone and/or a smart watch.

The hearing device, such as the first hearing device and/or the secondhearing device, optionally comprises a set of microphones. The set ofmicrophones may comprise one or more microphones. The set of microphonescomprises a first microphone for provision of a first microphone inputsignal and/or a second microphone for provision of a second microphoneinput signal. The set of microphones may comprise N microphones forprovision of N microphone signals, wherein N is an integer in the rangefrom 1 to 10. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the number N ofmicrophones is two, three, four, five or more. The set of microphonesmay comprise a third microphone for provision of a third microphoneinput signal.

The first hearing device may comprise a first microphone and a firstprocessor unit. The first microphone may be arranged in a BTE housing ofthe first hearing device or in an ear canal part/earpiece of the firsthearing device. The first processor unit may be arranged in a BTEhousing of the first hearing device or in an ear canal part/earpiece ofthe first hearing device.

The first hearing device may comprise a first sensor configured forproviding the first sensor signal. The first sensor may be aphotoplethysmogram sensor. The first sensor may be configured for beingpositioned in the concha or in an ear canal of the user. In other words,a first sensor providing the first sensor signal may be aphotoplethysmogram sensor. The first sensor may be communicativelycoupled to the first hearing device/first processor unit via a secondcable comprising a plurality of electrical wires.

The hearing system, such as the first hearing device, may comprise afirst receiver. The first receiver may be arranged or positioned atleast partly in an ear canal of the user. The first receiver may becommunicatively coupled to the first processor unit of the first hearingdevice via a first cable comprising a plurality of electrical wires,e.g. in a BTE-RIE hearing device or a BTE-MARIE hearing device.

In one or more exemplary methods/hearing systems, the first receiver andthe first sensor are contained in a housing of the first hearing devicein the ear canal of the user. In one or more exemplary methods/hearingdevices, the first receiver and the first sensor are contained in an earpiece of the hearing device, e.g. where the first hearing device is aBTE-RIE hearing device, a BTE-MARIE hearing device, or a ITE hearingdevice.

The first hearing device may comprise a motion sensor also denoted firstmotion sensor. The first motion sensor delivers a first motion sensorsignal for provision of first motion data. In other words, first motiondata is measured using a first motion sensor arranged in the firsthearing device.

The second hearing device may comprise a second microphone and a secondprocessor unit. The second microphone may be arranged in a BTE housingof the second hearing device or in an ear canal part/earpiece of thesecond hearing device. The second processor unit may be arranged in aBTE housing of the second hearing device or in an ear canalpart/earpiece of the second hearing device.

The hearing system, such as the second hearing device, may comprise asecond sensor configured for providing the second sensor signal. Thesecond sensor may be a photoplethysmogram sensor. The second sensor maybe configured for being positioned in a concha or in an ear canal of theuser. In other words, a second sensor providing the second sensor signalmay be a photoplethysmogram sensor.

The second hearing device may comprise a second receiver. The secondreceiver may be arranged or positioned at least partly in an ear canalof the user. The second receiver may be communicatively coupled to thesecond processor unit of the second hearing device via a second cablecomprising a plurality of electrical wires, e.g. in a BTE-RIE hearingdevice or a BTE-MARIE hearing device.

In one or more exemplary methods/hearing systems, the second receiverand the second sensor are contained in a housing in the ear canal of theuser. In one or more exemplary methods/hearing devices, the secondreceiver and the second sensor are contained in an ear piece of thehearing device.

The second hearing device may comprise a motion sensor also denotedsecond motion sensor. The second motion sensor delivers a second motionsensor signal for provision of second motion data. In other words,second motion data is measured using a second motion sensor arranged inthe second hearing device.

The hearing system may comprise an accessory device. An accessory device(also referred to as an external device) may be a mobile phone or otherhandheld device. An accessory device may be a personal electronicdevice, e.g. a wearable, such as a watch or other wrist-worn electronicdevice. The accessory device may be a tablet computer.

The methods disclosed herein comprises obtaining sensor data, the sensordata comprising first sensor data, e.g. representing first physiologicaldata. The sensor data may comprise second sensor data, e.g. representingsecond physiological data.

The first physiological data and the second physiological data may berepresentative of a heart function of a user.

The first sensor data are indicative of a first sensor signal from thefirst hearing device arranged at a first ear of a user.

The second sensor data are indicative of a second sensor signal from thesecond hearing device arranged at a second ear of a user. Accordingly,in one or more exemplary methods, the hearing system comprises a secondhearing device, wherein the sensor data comprises second sensor dataindicative of a second sensor signal from the second hearing devicearranged at a second ear of the user.

The sensor data may be obtained over a time period of more than 30seconds, preferably more than 60 seconds, preferably more than 90seconds, preferably 120 seconds. In one or more exemplary methods,sensor data are obtained for one or a plurality of time periods, such asfor a primary time period and/or a secondary time period.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises detecting anatrial fibrillation condition of the user based on the first sensor dataand/or based on the second sensor data; and in accordance with detectingthe atrial fibrillation condition, outputting a first output signalindicative of the atrial fibrillation condition. Detecting the atrialfibrillation condition based on sensors data from different hearingdevices allows for more accurate and/or failsafe determination of theatrial fibrillation condition, e.g. leading to a reduced number of falsepositives, i.e. erroneous determination of presence of AFib. Detectingan atrial fibrillation condition may comprise selecting the atrialfibrillation condition from a plurality of atrial fibrillationconditions, such as from at least 3 atrial fibrillation conditions, atleast 4 atrial fibrillation conditions, or at least 5 atrialfibrillation conditions.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises comparing, e.g.in the first hearing device and/or in an accessory device, the firstsensor data and the second sensor data; identifying a first parameterbased on the comparison of the first sensor data and the second sensordata; and outputting a first output signal indicative of the firstparameter.

In one or more exemplary method, comparing the first sensor data and thesecond sensor data may comprise comparing periods of the first sensordata and the second sensor data and, in accordance with a firstselection criterion being satisfied, selecting the first sensor data (orweighted first sensor data) as output sensor data (for the periods wherethe first selection criterion is satisfied); and wherein identifying afirst parameter based on the comparison of the first sensor data and thesecond sensor data is based on the output sensor data. Comparing thefirst sensor data and the second sensor data may comprise, in accordancewith a common selection criterion being satisfied, selecting acombination of the first sensor data (or weighted first sensor data) andthe second sensor data (or weighted second sensor data) as output sensordata (for the periods where the common selection criterion issatisfied). Comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor datamay comprise, in accordance with a second selection criterion beingsatisfied, selecting the second sensor (or weighted second sensor data)data as output sensor data (for the periods where the second selectioncriterion is satisfied). Accordingly, comparing the first sensor dataand the second sensor data may comprise determining sensor output data,and identifying a first parameter based on the sensor output data.

In one or more exemplary methods, comparing the first sensor data andthe second sensor data comprises identifying primary time periods of thefirst and the second sensor data, respectively, comparing the primarytime periods of the first and the second sensor data, and identifyingthe first parameter based on one or both primary time periods of thefirst and the second sensor data.

In one or more exemplary methods, identifying the first parametercomprises identifying parts of the sensor data that differ from defaultphysiological data.

In one or more exemplary methods, identifying the first parametercomprises identifying parts of the sensor data that have a similarity toa predefined pattern representing a physiological anomaly.

In one or more exemplary methods, identifying the first parametercomprises performing a Heart Rate Variability analysis on the sensordata. Thus, the first parameter may be an output of a Heart RateVariability analysis.

In one or more exemplary methods, the first parameter is indicative ofheart rate variations of the user. The first parameter may be indicativeof an atrial fibrillation condition of the user. The first parameter isindicative of one or more R-R intervals of the sensor data.

In one or more exemplary methods, the first parameter comprises a datapattern. The data pattern may be indicative of a physiological anomaly.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises identifying asecond parameter based on the first sensor data, the second sensor dataand optionally the first parameter, wherein the second parameter isindicative of presence of atrial fibrillation or indicative of an atrialfibrillation condition.

In one or more exemplary methods, outputting a first output signal, e.g.indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition and/or indicative of thefirst parameter, comprises outputting a first audio signal via the firsthearing device. Thus, the user can be warned or informed when the AFiboccurs with a high chance of the user hearing the first audio signalsince the user wears the first hearing device.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises detecting a useractivation of the accessory device; and in accordance with detecting theatrial fibrillation condition and detecting the user activation,outputting a second output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillationcondition. The second output signal may be different from the firstoutput signal, the second output signal may be a visual output. Thus,more detailed information on the atrial fibrillation condition may beconveyed to the user in a second output signal. Accordingly, the user isalerted that his attention is needed using the first output signalprompting the user to visit his accessory device with a high chance ofbeing noted by the user, and a second output signal on the accessorydevice uses the larger processing power and ways of output to providemore detailed information on the atrial fibrillation condition. This inturn provides the user with detailed, fast, and reliable information onthe atrial fibrillation condition allowing the user to take the optimumor correct measures to reduce the impact from the occurrence of theatrial fibrillation condition.

In one or more exemplary methods, outputting a second output signalindicative of the atrial fibrillation condition comprises displaying, ona display of the accessory device, a first user interface comprising afirst user interface element indicative of the atrial fibrillationcondition. The first user interface element may comprise a Poincaréplot, a relative scale, e.g. 1-5, with an indicator of the atrialfibrillation condition, e.g. where 1 indicates very low risk of heartcondition and/or where 5 indicates very high risk of heart condition.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises displaying, onthe display of the accessory device, a second user interface elementindicative of a transmit action; detecting user selection of the seconduser interface element; and in accordance with detecting user selectionof the second user interface element, transmitting the sensor data to aserver device. Thereby, a user is able to decide if he/she wishes toshare his health data and in which cases. The second user interfaceelement may form a part of the second output signal. Thus, outputting asecond output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition maycomprise displaying a second user interface element indicative of atransmit action.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises displaying, onthe display of the accessory device, a third user interface elementindicative of a heart condition measurement with the accessory device;detecting user selection of the third user interface element; and inaccordance with detecting user selection of the third user interface,performing a heart condition measurement with the accessory device. Themethod optionally comprises transmitting a result of the heart conditionmeasurement to a server device. Thereby a user is able to in aneffective way verify the atrial fibrillation condition detected by thefirst sensor/second sensor of the hearing device(s). The third userinterface element may form a part of the second output signal. Thus,outputting a second output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillationcondition may comprise displaying a third user interface elementindicative of a heart condition measurement with the accessory device

In one or more exemplary methods, the method comprises outputting userinstructions to the user, e.g. by displaying, on the display of theaccessory device, a fourth user interface element with user instructionsand/or outputting a second audio signal via the first hearing device,wherein the second audio signal is indicative of the user instructions.The fourth user interface element may form a part of the second outputsignal. Thus, outputting a second output signal may comprise displaying,on the display of the accessory device, a fourth user interface elementwith user instructions. The method optionally comprises detecting userbehaviour of the user; determining if the user behaviour does notcorrespond to the user instructions; and in accordance with determiningthat the user behaviour does not correspond to the user instructions,outputting a fifth output signal indicative of non-compliance with theuser instructions. Thereby a user is guided through how to react on theAFib condition, and reminded if he/she does not act accordingly.

In one or more exemplary methods, detecting user behaviour of the useris based on the motion data, e.g. the first motion data and/or thesecond motion data from the first hearing device and/or the secondhearing device. Detecting user behaviour may be based on motion datafrom the accessory device, e.g. from one or more motion sensors of theaccessory device. In one or more exemplary methods, the methodoptionally comprises detecting user behaviour, such as activity/motion,of the user; determining if the user behaviour does not correspond tothe user instructions, e.g. by determining if the activity/motion islarger than an activity threshold in contrast to user instructions onresting; and in accordance with determining that the user behaviour doesnot correspond to the user instructions, e.g. if activity is larger thanthe activity threshold, outputting a fifth output signal indicative ofnon-compliance with the user instructions. The fifth output signal maycomprise a third audio signal via the first hearing device and/or afifth user interface element displayed on accessory device display.

In one or more exemplary methods, detecting an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user comprises performing Heart Rate Variabilityanalysis on the sensor data. An atrial fibrillation condition may bedetected if a first parameter P_1 indicative of heart rate variationsmeets a first criterion, e.g. if P_>TH_1, where TH_1 is a firstthreshold.

In one or more exemplary methods, detecting an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user comprises determining a plurality of R-R intervalsbased on the sensor data. The method optionally comprises comparing theR-R intervals. An atrial fibrillation condition may be detected if adifference between the R-R intervals meets a second criterion, e.g. ifP_2>TH_2, wherein P_2 is a second parameter indicative of differencesbetween R-R intervals and TH_2 is a second threshold.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method further comprises detectingor receiving a sound input signal by the first microphone for provisionof a first input signal; processing by the first processor unit, thefirst input signal according to a hearing loss of the user wearing thefirst hearing device; and outputting a processed signal by the firstprocessor unit. In other words, the processed signal is based on thefirst input signal.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method may comprise, in accordancewith detecting the atrial fibrillation condition, forgoing outputting aprocessed signal by the first processor unit. In other words, thehearing device processing may be halted, paused or stopped when thefirst hearing device outputs the first output signal, which furtherincreases the chances of the user noticing the first output signal andtherefore being able to react on the detection of the atrialfibrillation condition.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method further comprisesoutputting, with the first receiver, a first audio output signal basedon the processed signal.

In one or more exemplary methods, the method further comprises obtainingmotion data, such as from the first hearing device and/or the secondhearing device. Detecting an atrial fibrillation condition of the usermay be based on the motion data.

In one or more exemplary methods, comparing the first sensor data andthe second sensor data is based on the motion data, such as based onfirst motion data from a first motion sensor of the first hearing deviceand/or second motion data from a second motion sensor of the secondhearing device. For example, comparing the first sensor data and thesecond sensor data may comprise determining a first weight based on the(first) motion data and applying the first weight to the first sensordata. For example, comparing the first sensor data and the second sensordata may comprise determining a second weight based on the (second)motion data and applying the second weight to the second sensor data.

In one or more exemplary methods, the motion data comprises first motiondata indicative of a first motion sensor signal from the (first) motionsensor; and wherein detecting an atrial fibrillation condition of theuser is based on the first motion data. The motion data may comprisesecond motion data indicative of a second motion sensor signal from the(second) motion sensor; and wherein detecting an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user is based on the second motion data.

In one or more exemplary methods, detecting an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user further comprises comparing the first motion datato a first motion threshold, and in accordance with the first motiondata satisfying a first motion criterion based on the first motionthreshold, conditioning the first sensor data. Detecting an atrialfibrillation condition of the user may comprise comparing the secondmotion data to a second motion threshold, and in accordance with thesecond motion data satisfying a second motion criterion based on thesecond motion threshold, conditioning the second sensor data.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary hearing system of the present disclosure. Thehearing system 2 comprises a first hearing device 4 and optionally asecond hearing device 6. Further, an accessory device 8, hereillustrated as a smartphone is configured for wireless communicationwith one or both hearing devices 4, 6 via wireless connections 10, 12respectively. The hearing devices 4,6 may communicate wirelessly viawireless connection 13. The hearing system 2 optionally comprises serverdevice 9, wherein the accessory device 8 is configured for communicationwith the server device 9 via wireless and/or wired connection 13A.During use, a user 14 wears hearing devices 4, 6 at respective ears 16,18, i.e. the first hearing device 4 is arranged at a first ear 16 of theuser 14 and the second hearing device is arranged at a second ear 18 ofthe user 14. The hearing devices 4, 6 are illustrated as being of thebehind-the-ear type having a housing 20 configured to be worn behind theear, an earpiece 22, and a tube connector 24 connecting the housing 20and the ear piece 22. It is to be understood that the hearing devicesdisclosed herein may be of the in-the-ear type.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to the presentdisclosure. The method 100 of operating a hearing system, such ashearing system 2, comprising a first hearing device and a second hearingdevice is shown, the method 100 comprising obtaining 102 sensor data,the sensor data comprising first sensor data representing firstphysiological data and second sensor data representing secondphysiological data, where the first sensor data is indicative of firstsensor signal from the first hearing device arranged at a first ear of auser, and the second sensor data is indicative of second sensor signalfrom the second hearing device arranged at a second ear of the user;comparing 104 the first sensor data and the second sensor data;identifying 106 a first parameter based on the comparison of the firstsensor data and the second sensor data; and outputting 108 a firstoutput signal indicative of the first parameter.

The method 100 optionally comprises obtaining 110 motion data comprisingobtaining 110A first motion data from the first hearing device andobtaining 110B second motion data from the second hearing device. Thefirst motion data are measured using a first motion sensor in the firsthearing device and the second motion data are measured using a secondmotion sensor in the second hearing device. In method 100, the motiondata is used as a weight factor when comparing the first sensor data andthe second sensor data. In other words, the first sensor data is basedon the first motion data and the second sensor data is based on thesecond sensor data (to form conditioned first sensor data andconditioned second sensor data).

Comparing 104 the first sensor data and the second sensor data isoptionally performed in the first hearing device and/or in the accessorydevice. Thus, the second hearing device may transmit the second sensordata and/or one or more parameters derived from the second sensor datato the first hearing device and/or the accessory device for furtheranalysis.

Identifying 106 a first parameter comprises performing a Heart RateVariability analysis on the sensor data, and wherein the first parameteris indicative of heart rate variations of the user and therefore alsoindicative of an atrial fibrillation condition of the user. For example,a first parameter value P_1 indicating a large heart rate variation isindicative of an atrial fibrillation condition, and an atrialfibrillation condition may be detected if the first parameter P_1 meetsa first criterion, e.g. if P_1>TH_1, where TH_1 is a first threshold. Afirst atrial fibrillation condition AFib_1 may be detected if the firstparameter P_1 meets a first criterion and/or a second atrialfibrillation condition AFib_2 may be detected if the first parameter P_1meets a second criterion.

In the method 100, the sensor data is obtained over a time period ofe.g. in the range from 60 to 180 seconds, such as 120 seconds. In otherwords, the method preferably operates on sensor data sequences having alength in the range from 60 seconds to 180 seconds.

In one or more methods 100, the first parameter comprises a data patternindicative of a physiological anomaly, and the first output signal isindicative of the physiological anomaly.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method according to the presentdisclosure. A method 200 of operating a hearing system, e.g. hearingsystem 2, comprising a first hearing device and an accessory device isshown, the method 200 comprising obtaining 102 sensor data, the sensordata comprising first sensor data indicative of a first sensor signalfrom the first hearing device arranged at a first ear of a user;detecting 204, e.g. in the first hearing device or in the accessorydevice, an atrial fibrillation condition of the user based on the firstsensor data; and in accordance with detecting the atrial fibrillationcondition, outputting 206 a first output signal indicative of the atrialfibrillation condition. Outputting 206 a first output signal indicativeof the atrial fibrillation condition comprises outputting 206A a firstaudio signal via the first hearing device.

In the method 200, the hearing system comprises a second hearing device,and the sensor data comprises second sensor data indicative of a secondsensor signal from the second hearing device arranged at a second ear ofthe user, and wherein detecting 204 an atrial fibrillation condition ofthe user is based on the second sensor data. In one or more exemplarymethods 200, detecting 204 an atrial fibrillation condition comprisesthe acts of comparing 104 and identifying 106 as described in detailwith reference to FIG. 2

The method 200 comprises detecting 208 a user activation of theaccessory device. User activation may be detected, when a user unlocksthe accessory device, e.g. by inputting a passcode or using face ID.User activation may be detected, when a user activates a user interfaceelement, e.g. on a home screen or a lock screen of the accessory device.

Further, the method optionally comprises outputting 210, with theaccessory device, one or more output signals, e.g. in accordance 212with one or more criteria being satisfied.

The method 200 comprises in accordance 212A with detecting the atrialfibrillation condition and detecting the user activation UA, outputting210B a second output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillationcondition. In the method 200, outputting 210B a second output signalindicative of the atrial fibrillation condition comprises displaying210BB, on a display of the accessory device, a first user interfacecomprising a first user interface element indicative of the atrialfibrillation condition.

The method 200 optionally comprises 214 displaying 214A, on the displayof the accessory device, a second user interface element indicative of atransmit action; detecting 214B user selection of the second userinterface element; and in accordance with detecting user selection ofthe second user interface element, transmitting 214C the sensor data orat least parts thereof to a server device.

The method 200 optionally comprises 216 displaying 216A, on the displayof the accessory device, a third user interface element indicative of aheart condition measurement with the accessory device; detecting 216Buser selection of the third user interface element; in accordance withdetecting user selection of the third user interface, performing 216C aheart condition measurement with the accessory device; and transmitting216D a result of the heart condition measurement to a server device.

The method 200 optionally comprises 218 outputting 218A userinstructions to the user, e.g. on display of the accessory device and/oras an audio signal via the first hearing device; detecting 218B userbehaviour of the user; determining 218C if the user behaviour does notcorrespond to the user instructions; and in accordance with determiningthat the user behaviour does not correspond to the user instructions,outputting 218D a fifth output signal, e.g. on display of the accessorydevice and/or as an audio signal via the first hearing device, whereinthe fifth output signal is indicative of non-compliance with the userinstructions.

Outputting 218A user instructions to the user optionally comprisesdisplaying, on the display of the accessory device, a fourth userinterface element with user instructions, such as a text field or textbox. Outputting 218A user instructions to the user optionally comprisesoutputting a second audio signal via the first hearing device, whereinthe second audio signal is indicative of the user instructions.

In method 200, detecting 204 an atrial fibrillation condition of theuser comprises performing 204A Heart Rate Variability analysis on thesensor data and determining 204B a plurality of R-R intervals based onthe sensor data.

In the method 200, the first hearing device may be hearing device 4, 300as shown in FIG. 4.

The method 200 further comprises 220 detecting a sound input signal bythe first microphone for provision of a first input signal; processingby the first processor unit, the first input signal according to ahearing loss of the user wearing the first hearing device; outputting aprocessed signal by the first processor unit; and outputting, with thefirst receiver, a first audio output signal based on the processedsignal.

The method 200 further comprises obtaining 222 motion data, the motiondata comprising first motion data indicative of a first motion sensorsignal from the motion sensor; and wherein detecting 204 an atrialfibrillation condition of the user is based on the first motion data. Inmethod, 200, detecting 204 an atrial fibrillation condition of the userfurther comprises comparing 204C the first motion data to a first motionthreshold; and in accordance with the first motion data satisfying afirst motion criterion based on the first motion threshold, conditioning204D the first sensor data, e.g. by weighting the first sensor data witha first weight based on the first motion data. In method, 200, comparing204C optionally comprises comparing the second motion data to a secondmotion threshold; and in accordance with the second motion datasatisfying a second motion criterion based on the second motionthreshold, conditioning 204D the second sensor data, e.g. by weightingthe second sensor data with a second weight based on the second motiondata.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 300, e.g.used as first hearing device 4 and/or second hearing device 6. Thehearing device 300 comprises a BTE housing 302 accommodating inputmodule 304 including first microphone 306 and optionally secondmicrophone 308. The hearing device 300 comprises processor unit 310accommodated or arranged in BTE housing 302. A communication unit 312for wireless communication with accessory device, e.g. accessory device8, and/or other hearing device is accommodated in BTE housing 302. Thehearing device 300 comprises a photoplethysmogram sensor 314 (firstsensor 314A for first hearing device 4, second sensor 314B for secondhearing device 6) configured for providing sensor signal 316, 316A, 316Bto the processor unit 310. Further, the hearing device 300 comprises amotion sensor 318 (first motion sensor 318A for first hearing device 4,second motion sensor 318B for second hearing device 6) for provision ofmotion data (or motion sensor signals indicative of motion data) 320,320A, 320B to the processor unit 310. The hearing device 300 comprises areceiver 322 (first receiver 322A for first hearing device 4, secondreceiver 322B for second hearing device 6) for outputting an audiooutput signal 324 (first audio output signal 324A for first hearingdevice 4 and second audio output signal 324B for second hearing device6) based on processed signal 326 from processor unit 310 (firstprocessed signal 326A from first processor unit 310A and secondprocessed signal from second processor unit 310B). The first sensor 314Aand the second sensor 314B are configured for being positioned in theconcha or in an ear canal of the user.

The first sensor 314A, the first motion sensor 318A, and the firstreceiver 322A are arranged or accommodated in first earpiece 22A andcommunicatively coupled to the BTE housing 20 a via connector tube 24Acomprising wires for connecting the first sensor 314A, the first motionsensor 318A, and the first receiver 322A to the first processor unit310A. The first earpiece 22A may be a completely-in-the-canal earpieceor arranged partly in the ear canal and partly in the concha.

The first hearing device 4, is optionally configured to outputting afirst output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition byoutputting a first audio signal 330 via the first receiver 322A of thefirst hearing device 4.

The first hearing device 4 may be configured to transmit first motiondata MD1 and/or first sensor data SD1 to accessory device and/or secondhearing device via communication module 312. The first hearing device 4may be configured to receive control data CD via communication module312 for control of the first hearing device 4 in accordance with sensordata and/or motion data.

The first hearing device 4 may be configured to transmit conditionedfirst sensor data CSD1 (first sensor data conditioned based on the firstmotion data) to accessory device and/or second hearing device viacommunication module 312.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the processing of two PPG signals(first sensor signal 316A and second sensor signal 316B) in anembodiment of a hearing system 2 according to the present disclosure.The purpose of the processing is to produce a reliable RMSSD value of aset of RR intervals as seen over a predetermined period of time, e.g.two minutes, for the purpose of detecting a heart rate variability,which may indicate AFib. The RMSSD is the square root of the mean of thesquares of differences between adjacent RR intervals in a series(period), and is a measure of variability of RR intervals. RMSSD will,in general, increase with the level of noise present in the RRtachogram, cf.:

${RMSSD} = {\sqrt{\frac{1}{L - 1}{\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{L - 1}\left( {{{RRi}\left( {j + 1} \right)} - {{RRi}(j)}} \right)^{2}}} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{L - 1}{\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{L - 1}{\Delta \; {{RRi}(j)}^{2}}}}}$

The hearing device system 2 comprises a first hearing device 4 having afirst PPG sensor 54 as first sensor 314A for collecting a first PPGstimulus 50 at a first ear of the user and a second hearing device 6having a second PPG sensor 56 as second sensor 314B for collecting asecond PPG stimulus 52 at a second ear of the user, the PPG stimuli 50,52 being generated by changes in the blood pressure over time in theuser 14. The first PPG sensor 54 generates a first PPG signal 58 (firstsensor signal) as a result of the first PPG stimulus 50, and the secondPPG sensor 56 generates a second PPG signal 60 (second sensor signal) asa result of the second PPG stimulus 52. The first PPG signal 58 is fedto a first RR interval window 64 of an RMSSD processor 62, and thesecond PPG signal 60 is fed to a second RR interval window 66 of theRMSSD processor 62. The first and the second RR interval windows 64, 66each collect and store a set of samples of the respective RR intervalsdetected in the PPG signals 58, 60 measured over a two-minute period.The first RR interval window 64 compares the sampled RR intervals in thewindow to a stored value THzero 74 indicating the maximum allowablenumber of missing RR intervals in the window. If the number of sampledRR intervals present in the first window exceeds the stored value ofTHzero 74, the first window contents are discarded. Likewise, the secondRR interval window 66 compares the sampled RR intervals in the window tothe stored value of Thzero 74, and if the number of sampled RR intervalspresent in the second window exceeds the stored value of Thzero 74, thesecond window contents are discarded. If none of the PPG signals 58, 60produce a sufficient number of RR intervals within the window period,both the first RMSSD value 68 and the second RMSSD value 70 arediscarded.

The first RR interval window 64 outputs a first RR interval sequenceRMSSD 68 to a first input of an RR interval sequence joint processor 72,and the second RR interval window 66 outputs a second RR intervalsequence RMSSD 70 to a second input of the RR interval sequence jointprocessor 72. In the RR interval processor 72, the values of the firstRR interval sequence RMSSD 68 (first sensor data) and the second RRinterval sequence RMSSD 70 (second sensor data) are compared to a storedvalue THdiff 76, and the largest value is discarded if the differencebetween the first RR interval sequence RMSSD 68 and the second RRinterval sequence RMSSD 70 exceeds THdiff 76. If the contents of thefirst RR interval sequence window 64 or the second RR interval sequencewindow 66 have been discarded, only the remaining RMSSD value is used bythe RR interval sequence joint processor 72. Otherwise, the RR intervalsequence joint processor 72 produces a combined RMSSD value 78 from thewindowed data. By combining the RMSSD values (sensor data) from two PPGsensor signals, noise inherently present in the PPG signals may bereduced.

The combined RMSSD value 78 are processed further by a HRV (Heart RateVariability) processor 80, where a HR (Heart Rate) value and a HRV(Heart Rate Variability) value is calculated by a HRV and HR (HeartRate) calculator 82. These values or parameters are presented to analarm detector 84, where they are compared to a resting HR thresholdvalue and a HRV threshold value, respectively, from a threshold valuestorage 86. In combination with motion signals from the hearing devices(not shown in FIG. 5), the HR value is detected as a resting HR valueand compared to the resting HR threshold. If the calculated HR valueexceeds the resting HR threshold, the alarm detector 84 produces aresting HR alarm indicating an elevated resting heart rate. If thecalculated HRV value exceeds the HRV threshold, an AFib detectionalgorithm (not shown) provides an AFib alarm.

The alarm detector 84 produces an output signal 88 as a vectorcomprising the time, a resting HR flag and an AFIB flag. The outputsignal 88 is stored in the output data storage 90 for subsequentretrieval and further analysis.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary accessory device 8 according to the presentdisclosure. The accessory device 8 is optionally configured forobtaining sensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor dataand/or conditioned first sensor data from first hearing; and detectingan atrial fibrillation condition of the user based on the first sensordata. Alternatively, the accessory device is configured to obtain firstcontrol data from the first hearing device, the first control data beingindicative of detection of an atrial fibrillation in the first hearingdevice. The accessory device 8 is configured to detect a user activationof the accessory device; and in accordance with detecting the atrialfibrillation condition and detecting the user activation, outputting asecond output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition.Outputting a second output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillationcondition comprises displaying, on a display 600 of the accessory device8, a first user interface 602 comprising a first user interface element604 indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition. The first userinterface element 604 may be indicative of the occurrence of atrialfibrillation condition, e.g. by comprising context data, such as a textstring, e.g. “AFib detected!” as illustrated.

The accessory device 8 may be configured to display, on the display 600of the accessory device, a second user interface element 606 indicativeof a transmit action; detect user selection of the second user interfaceelement 606; and in accordance with detecting user selection of thesecond user interface element 606, transmitting the sensor data or atleast parts thereof to a server device. The second user interfaceelement 606 may be displayed as part of the first user interface 602. Inone or more exemplary methods/accessory devices, the second userinterface element 606 may be displayed as part of a second userinterface, e.g. in accordance with detecting user selection of the firstuser interface element 604.

The accessory device 8 may be configured to display, on the display 600of the accessory device, a third user interface element 608 indicativeof a heart condition measurement with the accessory device; detectinguser selection of the third user interface element 608; and inaccordance with detecting user selection of the third user interface608, performing a heart condition measurement with the accessory device.The accessory device 8 may be configured to transmit a result of theheart condition measurement to a server device. The third user interfaceelement 608 may be displayed as part of the first user interface 602. Inone or more exemplary methods/accessory devices, the third userinterface element 608 may be displayed as part of a second userinterface, e.g. in accordance with detecting user selection of the firstuser interface element 604.

The accessory device 8 may be configured to output user instructions tothe user. Output of user instructions may comprise to display, on thedisplay of the accessory device, a fourth user interface element 610with user instructions, such as a text field or text box. The fourthuser interface element 610 may be displayed as part of the first userinterface 602. In one or more exemplary methods/accessory devices, thefourth user interface element 610 may be displayed as part of a seconduser interface, e.g. in accordance with detecting user selection of thefirst user interface element 604.

The accessory device 8 may be configured to detect user behaviour of theuser, e.g. with one or more motion sensors of the hearing system, anddetermining if the user behaviour does not correspond to the userinstructions, e.g. if the user does not sit down if instructed to do so.The accessory device 8 may be configured to, in accordance withdetermining that the user behaviour does not correspond to the userinstructions, outputting a fifth output signal indicative ofnon-compliance with the user instructions. Output of the fifth outputsignal may comprise to display, on the display of the accessory device,a fifth user interface element 612 with context data indicative ofnon-compliance with the user instructions, such as a text field or textbox. The fifth user interface element 612 may be displayed as part ofthe first user interface 602. In one or more exemplary methods/accessorydevices, the fifth user interface element 612 may be displayed as partof a second user interface, e.g. in accordance with detecting userselection of the first user interface element 604.

Also disclosed are method and hearing systems according to any of thefollowing items and articles.

Item 1. A method of operating a hearing system comprising a firsthearing device and an accessory device, the method comprising:

-   -   obtaining sensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor        data indicative of a first sensor signal from the first hearing        device arranged at a first ear of a user;    -   detecting an atrial fibrillation condition of the user based on        the first sensor data; and    -   in accordance with detecting the atrial fibrillation condition,        outputting a first output signal indicative of the atrial        fibrillation condition.

Item 2. Method according to item 1, the hearing system comprising asecond hearing device, wherein the sensor data comprises second sensordata indicative of a second sensor signal from the second hearing devicearranged at a second ear of the user, and wherein detecting an atrialfibrillation condition of the user is further based on the second sensordata.

Item 3. Method according to any one of items 1-2, wherein outputting afirst output signal indicative of the atrial fibrillation conditioncomprises outputting a first audio signal via the first hearing device.

Item 4. Method according to any one of items 1-3, the method comprisingdetecting a user activation of the accessory device; and in accordancewith detecting the atrial fibrillation condition and detecting the useractivation, outputting a second output signal indicative of the atrialfibrillation condition.

Item 5. Method according to item 4, wherein outputting a second outputsignal indicative of the atrial fibrillation condition comprisesdisplaying, on a display of the accessory device, a first user interfacecomprising a first user interface element indicative of the atrialfibrillation condition.

Item 6. Method according to any one of items 4-5, wherein the methodcomprises displaying, on the display of the accessory device, a seconduser interface element indicative of a transmit action; detecting userselection of the second user interface element; and in accordance withdetecting user selection of the second user interface element,transmitting the sensor data to a server device.

Item 7. Method according to any one of items 4-6, wherein the methodcomprises displaying, on the display of the accessory device, a thirduser interface element indicative of a heart condition measurement withthe accessory device; detecting user selection of the third userinterface element; and in accordance with detecting user selection ofthe third user interface, performing a heart condition measurement withthe accessory device.

Item 8. Method according to item 7, the method comprising transmitting aresult of the heart condition measurement to a server device.

Item 9. Method according to any one of items 4-8, wherein the methodcomprises outputting user instructions to the user; detecting userbehaviour of the user; determining if the user behaviour does notcorrespond to the user instructions; and in accordance with determiningthat the user behaviour does not correspond to the user instructions,outputting a fifth output signal indicative of non-compliance with theuser instructions.

Item 10. Method according to any one of items 1-9, wherein detecting anatrial fibrillation condition of the user comprises performing HeartRate Variability analysis on the sensor data.

Item 11. Method according to any one of items 1-10, wherein detecting anatrial fibrillation condition of the user comprises determining aplurality of R-R intervals based on the sensor data.

Item 12. Method according to any one of items 1-11, wherein a firstsensor providing the first sensor signal is a photoplethysmogram sensor.

Item 13. Method according to any one of items 1-12 as dependent on item2, wherein a second sensor providing the second sensor signal is aphotoplethysmogram sensor.

Item 14. Method according to any one of items 1-13, wherein the firsthearing device comprises a first microphone and a first processor unit,wherein the method further comprises:

-   -   detecting a sound input signal by the first microphone for        provision of a first input signal;        processing by the first processor unit, the first input signal        according to a hearing loss of the user wearing the first        hearing device; and        outputting a processed signal by the first processor unit.

Item 15. Method according to item 14, wherein the hearing system furthercomprises a first receiver, wherein the method further comprises:

outputting, with the first receiver, a first audio output signal basedon the processed signal.

Item 16. Method according to any one of items 1-15, wherein the hearingsystem comprises a first sensor configured for providing the firstsensor signal.

Item 17. Method according to item 16, wherein the first sensor isconfigured for being positioned in the concha or in an ear canal of theuser.

Item 18. Method according to item 16 or 17, wherein the first sensor iscommunicatively coupled to the first hearing device/first processor unitvia a second cable comprising a plurality of electrical wires.

Item 19. Method according to anyone of items 15 or 16-18 as dependent onitem 15, wherein the first receiver is positioned at least partly in anear canal of the user, and wherein the first receiver is communicativelycoupled to the first hearing device/first processor unit via a firstcable comprising a plurality of electrical wires.

Item 20. Method according to anyone of items 1-19, wherein the firsthearing device comprises a motion sensor, and wherein the method furthercomprises:

-   -   obtaining motion data, the motion data comprising first motion        data indicative of a first motion sensor signal from the motion        sensor; and    -   wherein detecting an atrial fibrillation condition of the user        is based on the first motion data.

Item 21. Method according to item 20, wherein detecting an atrialfibrillation condition of the user further comprises:

-   -   comparing the first motion data to a first motion threshold; and    -   in accordance with the first motion data satisfying a first        motion criterion based on the first motion threshold,        conditioning the first sensor data.

Item 22. Method according to item 16 when dependent on claim 15, whereinthe first receiver and the first sensor are contained in a housing inthe ear canal of the user.

Item 23. Hearing system comprising a first hearing device and anaccessory device, wherein the hearing system is configured to perform amethod according to any of items 1-22.

Article 1. A method of operating a hearing system comprising a firsthearing device and a second hearing device, the method comprising:

-   -   obtaining sensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor        data representing first physiological data and second sensor        data representing second physiological data, where the first        sensor data is indicative of first sensor signal from the first        hearing device arranged at a first ear of a user, and the second        sensor data is indicative of second sensor signal from the        second hearing device arranged at a second ear of the user;    -   comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data;    -   identifying a first parameter based on the comparison of the        first sensor data and the second sensor data; and    -   outputting a first output signal indicative of the first        parameter.

Article 2. Method according to article 1, where the method furthercomprises obtaining motion data from the first hearing device and/or thesecond hearing device.

Article 3. Method according to article 2, wherein comparing the firstsensor data and the second sensor data is based on the motion data.

Article 4. Method according to any one of articles 2 or 3, wherein themotion data is measured using a motion sensor arranged in the firsthearing device or in the second hearing device.

Article 5. Method according to any one of articles 1-4, wherein thefirst physiological data and the second physiological data isrepresentative of a heart function of a user.

Article 6. Method according to any one of articles 1-5, wherein thefirst parameter is indicative of heart rate variations of the user.

Article 7. Method according to any one of articles 1-5, wherein themethod comprises

identifying a second parameter based on the first sensor data, thesecond sensor data and the first parameter, wherein the second parameteris indicative of presence of atrial fibrillation.

Article 8. Method according to any one of articles 1-5, wherein thefirst parameter is indicative of an atrial fibrillation condition of theuser.

Article 9. Method according to any one of articles 1-8, whereincomparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data is performedin the first hearing device.

Article 10. Method according to any one of articles 1-9, where the firstsensor data is obtained via a first sensor of the first hearing deviceand/or the second sensor data is obtained via a second sensor of thesecond hearing device.

Article 11. Method according to any one of articles 1-10, wherein thesensor data is obtained over a time period of more than 30 seconds,preferably more than 60 seconds, preferably more than 90 seconds,preferably 120 seconds.

Article 12. Method according to any one of articles 1-11, whereinidentifying the first parameter comprises identifying parts of thesensor data that differ from default physiological data.

Article 13. Method according to any one of articles 1-12, whereinidentifying the first parameter comprises identifying parts of thesensor data that have a similarity to a predefined pattern representinga physiological anomaly.

Article 14. Method according to any one of articles 1-12, whereinidentifying a first parameter comprises identifying periods of the firstand the second sensor data, respectively, comparing periods of the firstand the second sensor data, and identifying the first parameter based onthe periods of the first and the second sensor data

Article 15. Method according to any one of articles 1-14, wherein thefirst parameter comprises a data pattern.

Article 16. Method according to article 15, wherein the data pattern isindicative of a physiological anomaly.

Article 17. Method according to any one of articles 1-16, whereinidentifying the first parameter comprises performing a Heart RateVariability analysis on the sensor data.

Article 18. Method according to any one of articles 1-16, wherein thefirst parameter is indicative of one or more R-R intervals of the sensordata.

Article 19. Method according to any one of articles 1-18, wherein afirst sensor providing the first sensor signal is a photoplethysmogramsensor, and wherein a second sensor providing the second sensor signalis a photoplethysmogram sensor.

Article 20. Hearing system comprising:

-   -   a first hearing device comprising a first sensor for obtaining        first sensor data;    -   a second hearing device comprising a second sensor for obtaining        second sensor data;    -   a processing unit configured to:        -   compare the first sensor data and the second sensor data;        -   identify a first parameter based on the comparison of the            first sensor data and the second data; and        -   output a first output signal indicative of the first            parameter.

The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”,“secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, butare included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of theterms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”,“tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather theterms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”,“tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Notethat the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”,“secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labellingpurposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial ortemporal ordering.

Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply thepresence of a second element and vice versa.

It may be appreciated that FIGS. 1-3 comprise some modules or operationswhich are illustrated with a solid line and some modules or operationswhich are illustrated with a dashed line. The modules or operationswhich are comprised in a solid line are modules or operations which arecomprised in the broadest example embodiment. The modules or operationswhich are comprised in a dashed line are example embodiments which maybe comprised in, or a part of, or are further modules or operationswhich may be taken in addition to the modules or operations of the solidline example embodiments. It should be appreciated that these operationsneed not be performed in order presented. Furthermore, it should beappreciated that not all of the operations need to be performed. Theexemplary operations may be performed in any order and in anycombination.

It is to be noted that the word “comprising” does not necessarilyexclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

It is to be noted that the words “a” or “an” preceding an element do notexclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit thescope of the claims, that the exemplary embodiments may be implementedat least in part by means of hardware, software, or both, and thatseveral “means”, “units” or “devices” may be represented by the sameitem of hardware and/or software. Also, as used in this specification,the term “processing unit” may refer to hardware (e.g., processor,processing circuit, etc.), software, or both.

The various exemplary methods, devices, agents, and systems describedherein are described in the general context of method steps processes,which may be implemented in one aspect by a computer program product,embodied in a computer- readable medium, including computer-executableinstructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networkedenvironments. A computer-readable medium may include removable andnon-removable storage devices including, but not limited to, Read OnlyMemory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digitalversatile discs (DVD), etc. Generally, program modules may includeroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. thatperform specified tasks or implement specific abstract data types.Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, andprogram modules represent examples of program code for executing stepsof the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of suchexecutable instructions or associated data structures representsexamples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions describedin such steps or processes.

Although features have been shown and described, it will be understoodthat they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it willbe made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordinglyto be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Theclaimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications,and equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   2 hearing system-   4 first hearing device-   6 second hearing device-   8 accessory device-   9 server device-   10 wireless connection-   12 wireless connection-   13 wireless connection-   13A connection from accessory device to server device-   14 user-   16 first ear-   18 second ear-   20 behind-the-ear housing-   20A first behind-the-ear housing-   20B second behind-the-ear housing-   22 earpiece-   22A first earpiece-   22B second earpiece-   24 tube connector-   24A first tube connector-   24B second tube connector-   50 first PPG stimulus-   52 second PPG stimulus-   54 first PPG sensor-   56 second PPG sensor-   58 first PPG signal-   60 second PPG signal-   62 RMSSD processor-   64 first 120-second RR interval window-   66 second 120-second RR interval window-   68 first RR interval sequence RMSSD-   70 second RR interval sequence RMSSD-   72 RR interval sequence joint processor-   74 THZero—max allowable number of missing RR intervals in    window/period-   76 THdiff—max allowable difference between left and right RMSSD    before discarding largest-   78 combined RMSSD signal-   80 HRV (Heart Rate Variability) processor-   82 HRV and HR (Heart Rate) calculator-   84 alarm detector-   86 threshold value storage-   88 output signal-   90 output data storage-   100 method of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing    device and a second hearing device-   102 obtaining sensor data-   102A obtaining first sensor data-   102B obtaining second sensor data-   104 comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data-   106 identifying a first parameter-   108 outputting a first output signal-   110 obtain motion data-   110A obtain first motion data-   110B obtain second motion data-   200 operating a hearing system comprising a first hearing device and    an accessory device-   204 detecting an atrial fibrillation condition-   204A performing Heart Rate Variability analysis on the sensor data-   204B determining a plurality of R-R intervals based on the sensor    data-   204C comparing the motion data to motion threshold(s)-   204D conditioning the sensor data-   206 outputting a first output signal-   206A outputting a first audio signal via the first hearing device-   208 detecting a user activation of the accessory device-   210 outputting, with the accessory device, one or more output    signals-   210B outputting a second output signal indicative of the atrial    fibrillation condition-   210BB displaying, on a display of the accessory device, a first user    interface comprising a first user interface element indicative of    the atrial fibrillation condition-   212 in accordance with one or more criteria being satisfied-   212A in accordance with detecting the atrial fibrillation condition    and detecting the user activation-   214A displaying, on the display of the accessory device, a second    user interface element indicative of a transmit action-   214B detecting user selection of the second user interface element-   214C transmitting the sensor data to a server device-   216A displaying, on the display of the accessory device, a third    user interface element indicative of a heart condition measurement    with the accessory device-   216B detecting user selection of the third user interface element-   216C performing a heart condition measurement with the accessory    device-   216D transmitting a result of the heart condition measurement to a    server device.-   218A outputting user instructions to the user-   218B detecting user behaviour of the user-   218C determining if the user behaviour does not correspond to the    user instructions-   218D outputting a fifth output signal indicative of non-compliance    with the user instructions-   220 hearing aid operations-   222 obtaining motion data-   300 hearing device-   302 BTE housing-   304 input module-   306 first microphone-   308 second microphone-   310 processor unit-   310A first processor unit of first hearing device-   310B second processor unit of second hearing device-   312 communication module-   314 sensor-   314A first sensor of first hearing device-   314B second sensor of second hearing device-   316 sensor signal-   316A first sensor signal from first sensor-   316B second sensor signal from second sensor-   318 motion sensor-   318A first motion sensor of first hearing device-   318B second motion sensor of second hearing device-   320, D motion data-   320A, MD1 first motion data-   320B, MD2 second motion data-   322 receiver-   322A first receiver of first hearing device-   322B second receiver of second hearing device-   324 audio output signal-   324A first audio output signal from first hearing device-   324B second audio output signal from second hearing device-   326 processed signal from processor unit-   326A first processed signal from first processor unit-   326B second processed signal from second processor unit-   330 first audio signal from first hearing device and/or from second    hearing device-   600 display of accessory device-   602 first user interface-   604 first user interface element-   606 second user interface element-   608 third user interface element-   610 fourth user interface element-   612 fifth user interface element-   SD1 first sensor data-   SD2 second sensor data-   CSD1 conditioned first sensor data-   CSD2 conditioned second sensor data

1. A method of operating a hearing system comprising a first hearingdevice and a second hearing device, the method comprising: obtainingsensor data, the sensor data comprising first sensor data representingfirst physiological data and second sensor data representing secondphysiological data, where the first sensor data comprises or isindicative of first sensor signal from the first hearing deviceconfigured to be arranged at a first ear of a user, and the secondsensor data comprises or is indicative of second sensor signal from thesecond hearing device configured to be arranged at a second ear of theuser; comparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data;determining a first parameter based on a result from the act ofcomparing the first sensor data and the second sensor data; andoutputting a first output signal indicative of the first parameter. 2.The method according to claim 1, further comprises obtaining motion datafrom the first hearing device and/or the second hearing device.
 3. Themethod according to claim 2, wherein the act of comparing the firstsensor data and the second sensor data is performed based on the motiondata.
 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the motion data ismeasured using a motion sensor in the first hearing device or in thesecond hearing device.
 5. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising determining a second parameter based on the first sensordata, the second sensor data, and the first parameter; wherein thesecond parameter is indicative of presence of atrial fibrillation and/orwherein the first parameter is indicative of an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user.
 6. The method according to claim 1, where thefirst sensor data is associated with a first sensor of the first hearingdevice and/or the second sensor data is associated with a second sensorof the second hearing device.
 7. The method according to claim 1,wherein the sensor data is obtained over a time period of more than 30seconds.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act ofdetermining the first parameter comprises identifying parts of thesensor data that differ from default physiological data.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the act of determining the first parametercomprises identifying parts of the sensor data that have a similarity toa predefined pattern representing a physiological anomaly.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the act of determining the firstparameter comprises determining periods of the first and the secondsensor data, respectively, wherein the first parameter is determinedbased on the periods of the first and the second sensor data.
 11. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the act of determining the firstparameter comprises comparing the periods of the first and the secondsensor data, wherein the first parameter is determined based on a resultfrom the act of comparing the periods of the first and second sensordata.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first parametercomprises a data pattern.
 13. The method according to claim 12, whereinthe data pattern is indicative of a physiological anomaly.
 14. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the act of determining the firstparameter comprises performing a Heart Rate Variability analysis on thesensor data.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the firstsensor signal is from a photoplethysmogram sensor.
 16. A hearing systemcomprising: a first hearing device comprising a first sensor; a secondhearing device comprising a second sensor; a processing unit configuredto: compare first sensor data associated with the first sensor andsecond sensor data associated with the second sensor; determine a firstparameter based on a result from the act of comparing the first sensordata and the second data; and output a first output signal indicative ofthe first parameter.
 17. The hearing system according to claim 16,wherein the first hearing device and/or the second hearing device isconfigured to provide motion data.
 18. The hearing system according toclaim 17, wherein the processing unit is configured to compare the firstsensor data and the second sensor data based on the motion data.
 19. Thehearing system according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit isconfigured to determine a second parameter based on the first sensordata, the second sensor data, and the first parameter; wherein thesecond parameter is indicative of presence of atrial fibrillation and/orwherein the first parameter is indicative of an atrial fibrillationcondition of the user.
 20. The hearing system according to claim 16,wherein the first sensor data and/or the second sensor data is covers atime period of more than 30 seconds.
 21. The hearing system according toclaim 16, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine thefirst parameter by identifying parts of the first sensor data and/or thesecond sensor data that differ from default physiological data.
 22. Thehearing system according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit isconfigured to determine the first parameter by identifying parts of thefirst sensor data and/or the second sensor data that have a similarityto a predefined pattern representing a physiological anomaly.
 23. Thehearing system according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit isconfigured to determine the first parameter by determining periods ofthe first and the second sensor data, respectively, and determine thefirst parameter based on the periods of the first and the second sensordata.
 24. The hearing system according to claim 23, wherein theprocessing unit is configured to compare the periods of the first andthe second sensor data.
 25. The hearing system according to claim 16,wherein the first parameter comprises a data pattern.
 26. The hearingsystem according to claim 25, wherein the data pattern is indicative ofa physiological anomaly.
 27. The hearing system according to claim 16,wherein the processing unit is configured to determine the firstparameter by performing a Heart Rate Variability analysis on the firstsensor data and/or the second sensor data.
 28. The hearing systemaccording to claim 16, wherein the first sensor comprises aphotoplethysmogram sensor.